AthletiCo Partners with Chicago Bears for First Down for Fitness Challenge

Posted on September 20, 2010 12:00 am

AthletiCo has again partnered with the Chicago Bears in support of the First Down for Fitness Challenge. Entering its second year, the program supports Play 60, the Bears’ youth health and fitness campaign designed to help tackle childhood obesity. Play 60’s focus is to make the next generation of kids the most active and healthy by encouraging them to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. This outreach initiative supports AthletiCo’s mission to build better and healthier communities by addressing the issue of obesity and educating youth on the importance of exercising.

In the first year of the program, children from the Boys and Girls Clubs throughout Chicago, Lake County, and Elgin committed to Play 60 and participated in the challenge. Throughout the year, AthletiCo provided trainers to educate select groups on injury prevention, dynamic warm-ups, and proper stretching techniques. AthletiCo also provided trainers to the First Down for Fitness Finale Event that took place at the Cotter Boys and Girls Club in Chicago in June. Nearly 100 children who attend the Cotter Boys and Girls Club’s summer program participated in the event. AthletiCo trainers led the kids through a 30-minute fitness clinic where they explained how to properly warm-up and stretch. Also, a variety of activity stations provided another interactive way for kids to get involved.

“The Chicago Bears are honored to continue our partnership with AthletiCo on the First Down for Fitness Challenge,” said Caroline Schrenker, Director of Community Relations for the Chicago Bears. “The Bears share AthletiCo’s goal of reversing the trend of youth obesity, and we are extremely proud of the success that the First Down for Fitness Challenge had in its first year. AthletiCo brings great value to the program by providing trainers at the Boys and Girls Club locations to educate and motivate the young participants.”